Petsas: The involvement of the local government is necessary for the salvation of the forests Skai.gr

Deputy Minister of Interior Stelios Petsas described the “active involvement of the local government in the Decalogue of Forest Rescue” as “crucial”, speaking tonight at the Forum organized by the Association for the Protection and Development of Ymittos (SPAY). The topic of the Forum was “The Decalogue of Salvation of our Forests – Local Government at the heart of Civil Protection”.

“The biggest disappointment that I, personally, experienced from the first moment I took over the portfolio of Local Government entrusted to me by the Prime Minister, was the way we have managed, over time, our forests,” said the Deputy Minister, adding: “The culture that formed decades ago, in the years of urbanization, led to contempt for our forests, this wealth that the environment provides us. No prevention. Violation only. And until we change this culture, it is the responsibility of the State – in combination with actions and initiatives, like this one, today, of SPAY. “to do what is needed from our own heart, in order to sensitize all our other fellow citizens”, he pointed out.

In his speech, Mr. Petsas referred to the institutional and financial tools developed by the Ministry of Interior, in order to assist the local government in its crucial role in strengthening the modern framework of Civil Protection and developed the network of initiatives it has taken towards this direction the Ministry of Interior. He made special reference to the role of volunteers strengthened through the new draft law of the Ministry of Interior – which is under public consultation – for civil society organizations and voluntary employment. “We are putting a new framework, more transparent, more functional and I am sure that we will all embrace it”, noted Mr. Petsas. Speaking in a more personal tone, the Deputy Minister of Interior, referring to the experience from the recent fires in Attica, in the summer: ‘Spring. I have seen their work, both this year and 2009, in the previous big fire in the area. And certainly all these people deserve congratulations and countless ‘thank you’ for their work “.

Mr. Petsas also referred to the financial support to the local government for the implementation of prevention and fire protection actions, both through the regular financing of 16.9 million euros from the Central Independent Resources, of 1.5 million euros, for the Associations of Municipalities. of Attica, etc. For the financing of the restoration of the damages and the destructions in the areas affected by the fires this year, he stated that “only until August – before we proceed to the last distribution that we had for the people affected by the fires and the floods in Evia and other parts of the country – we had given 29 million euros this year, for social protection actions, strengthening the affected businesses and households, and 160 million euros in municipalities and regions for the restoration of infrastructure “.

The Deputy Minister of Interior underlined the importance at the local level of the continuous upgrading of projects and infrastructure that contribute to the improvement of the daily life of the citizens and made a separate reference to the financial tools in the hands of the Local Government – after more than ten years of financial crisis – for this purpose. As a typical example, in fact, he brought the recent inclusion in the Development Program “Antonis Tritsis”, of the proposal of SPAY. for shielding and promotion of Hymettus, amounting to 5.7 million euros, as well as the other two sub-projects of the Association, for the implementation of digital protection actions, renovation and equipment upgrade projects, which, as announced by Mr. Petsas, will be included in “Antonis Tritsis”, the next period. He also announced synergies with other financial instruments, such as the new NSRF and the Recovery Fund, in order to have the necessary actions to prevent and address the consequences of the climate crisis.